Pregnancy Update - Week 27

Welcome to the third trimester! The second went by SO fast I can hardly believe it's over. I'm feeling pregnant for certain - tired, sore, cranky, nauseous, and have a very wiggly baby reminding me that I'm not just fat! Most of the time I'm enjoying myself, but there are definitely moments that I'm ready for the baby to be on the outside and have a little more control over my body again.

What’s Happening This Week: This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

How far along? 27 weeks
Weight gain: 24 lbs.
Stretch marks? Still the same on my hips, but they are coming, I'm sure...
Sleep: It's restless most nights. No insomnia yet, but I do wake with rib pain, back pain, or hip pain a few times a night. Still sleeping, though!
Best moment this past week: Talking about natural birth with some awesome natural birth daddies at a conference. Love seeing supportive dads!
Movement: Definitely. Baby loves talking, music, and people being around.
Food cravings: Sweets, but I'm trying to really push the protein.
Labor Signs: None. Thankfully!
What I miss: Energy to walk long walks. This time last year I was walking double digits on the weekends and now I'm lucky to go 4-5 miles in one stretch. Next year will be different!
What I am looking forward to: Our baby shower and visitors in a couple of weeks!
Anxieties: Finding a pediatrician and child-care.
Weekly Wisdom: Learning more about the Bradley Method and talking to other natural child-birth advocates really has me encouraged that I'm making a good decision for me. Of course I'm nervous, but I'm excited as well.